Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong warning to Homa Bay residents against holding disco matanga events. He linked the cultural practice to the rising cases of defilement in the county.
Disco Matanga Linked to Defilement
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama Homa Bay edition on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Murkomen said the events have fueled moral decay.
“Defilement is a big issue in Homa Bay County. The prevalence of these cases is promoted by cultural practices, including disco matanga, which has been banned in this area,” he said.
School Holidays at Risk
Murkomen added that many of the defilement cases occur during school holidays when children are most vulnerable.
“Many of the children that are defiled are affected mostly during holidays,” he noted.
Warning Against Shielding Offenders
The CS also criticized families and communities that protect perpetrators. He stressed that shielding offenders denies justice to victims and encourages repeat crimes.
“These are high crimes. We do not want the community to hide perpetrators, even if they are relatives,” he warned.
Wider Security Concerns
Murkomen’s warning follows his earlier remarks on rising insecurity in Western Kenya. He identified gang activities, drug and alcohol abuse, and defilement as the biggest threats in the region.
Earlier this month, he said the ongoing Jukwaa La Usalama county tours had given government vital insights into security and service delivery issues. He announced the deployment of a special team to support regional security officers in addressing the threats.
Call for Cooperation
Murkomen urged leaders and residents to work with security agencies. He emphasized that community support is key in restoring order and protecting children from harm.
